ACCIDENT SUMMARY No.

72
Accident Type:
Weather Conditions:
Type of Operation:
Size of Work Crew:
Competent Person on Site:
Safety and Health Program in Effect:
Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly by the
Employer:
Training and Education Provided:
Employee Job Title:
Age & Sex:
Experience at this Type of Work:
Time on Project:

Explosion
Clear
Construction
2
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Iron worker
45-Male
20 years
2 Hours

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT

Propane gas was being used to fuel a portable heater (blow torch). The torch flamed out, allowing gas to
gather in the bilge area of a construction barge. The accumulated gas exploded with great force, killing the
worker.

INSPECTION RESULTS
As a result of its investigation, OSHA issued citations for two serious violations of OSHA standards.

ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS

The employer must:
1.
2.

Take precautions to provide sufficient ventilation to ensure proper combustion when operating
portable heaters/blow torches in confined spaces, in accordance with Title 29 Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 1926.154(a)(2).
Ensure that portable heaters/blow torches are equipped with automatic shut-off devices to stop the
flow of gas in the event of flame failure, in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.153(h)(8).

SOURCES OF HELP

OSHA Construction Standards (Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1926) includes all
OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations covering construction, may be purchased from the
Government Printing Office, phone (202) 512-1800, fax (202) 512-2250, Order No. 869-032-00107-3,
($31.00).
OSHA-funded free consultation services listed in telephone directories under U.S. Labor Department or
under the state government section where states administer their own OSHA programs.
OSHA Safety and Health Training Guidelines for Construction, Volume III (Available from the National
Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161; phone (703) 487-4650;
Order no. PB-239-312/AS; Cost $25.) to help construction employers establish a training program.
Courses in construction safety are offered by the OSHA Training Institute, 1555 Times Drive, Des
Plaines, IL 60018; phone (847) 297-4810.
OSHA regulations, documents and technical information also are available able on CD-ROM, which
may be purchased from the Government Printing Office, phone (202) 512-1800 or fax (202) 512-2250,

order number 729-13-00000-5; cost $43 annually; $17 quarterly. That information also is on the
Internet World Wide Web at http://www.osha.gov/
NOTE: The case here described was selected as being representative of fatalities caused by improper work
practices. No special emphasis or priority is implied nor is the case necessarily a recent occurrence. The legal
aspects of the incident have been resolved, and the case is now closed.